Quench Severity Regulation
The quench intensity control regulates the heat transfer coefficient of the quenching medium to maintain the hardened depth precisely and avoid cracks.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
The quench intensity control manages the heat extraction of the quenching medium. It ensures that the metal cools in an optimal temperature range, leading to a uniform and fine crystal structure.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
If the quench intensity is insufficient, the metal cools too quickly. This can produce glass-hard martensite, which can lead to cracks and hot cracks. With excessive intensity, the grain coarsens, reducing the toughness of the steel.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
To optimize the quench intensity control, set the heat transfer coefficient of the quenching medium precisely. This can be achieved by adjusting the quench duration and temperature. A typical target heat transfer coefficient is 10-20 W/m²K. For high-carbon steels, the quench intensity must be especially carefully controlled to avoid cracks.